Trump sons open Dubai golf course

US President Donald Trump's son Eric Trump attends the opening ceremony of the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai on Saturday.

PHOTO: Reuters

US President Donald Trump's eldest sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were guests of honour at the opening of a Trump-branded golf course in Dubai on Saturday, the first Trump property project launched since their father's inauguration.

Speaking on a stage in front of the clubhouse at the Trump International Golf Club Dubai, Donald Trump Jr. praised the development of the United Arab Emirates, a close US ally that is also a global trade, transport and tourism hub.

"To see the incredible vision Sheikh Mohammed has been able to put forward for this country is truly awe-inspiring," he said, referring to UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum.

"As a developer, which lets us be somewhat artists at times, it is truly incredible to be part of that vision."

A ceremony featuring fireworks and a classical music ensemble marked the opening of the project announced by the Trump Organisation and Dubai-listed developer DAMAC Properties in 2013.

The relationship between Trump and Damac Chairman Hussain Sajwani came under scrutiny last month when then-President-elect Trump said without elaborating that he had turned down a $2-billion (S$2.8 billion) deal offered by Sajwani because he did not want to "take advantage."